We often hear that cyberattacks mainly target large companies. This is not true; in fact, the opposite is true: small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), micro-businesses, and independent teams are now prime targets, precisely because they have fewer resources to defend themselves. According to the annual report from ANSSI (the French National Cybersecurity Agency), SMEs account for a growing share of ransomware and cyberattack victims in France.
The paradox? Most serious incidents are preventable. A reused password, an unsecured Wi-Fi connection while traveling, an exposed API in a development project... These are common entry points, but they are enough to compromise months of work—or even an entire information system.
The good news is that the security tools market has evolved. Today, there are affordable solutions designed for teams of 1 to 50 people that don’t require an IT director or advanced technical expertise to deploy. That’s exactly what we’ve put together here: a selection of practical tools, available with discount on Freelance Stack, to secure your business without spending a disproportionate amount of your budget.
Password managers, business VPNs, privacy suites, penetration testing tools: here’s what you need to know.
1Password is one of the most widely used password managers in professional settings. Its target audience is clear: it is designed for teams, businesses, and entrepreneurs juggle dozens of different accounts, logins, and credentials.
The basic idea is simple. You use a single master password (a strong one) to unlock an encrypted vault that contains all your login credentials. 1Password generates complex passwords, stores them securely, and automatically fills them in when you need them.
But 1Password does more than just manage passwords. It also includes:
Shared vaults and permission management: You can create multiple separate vaults (accounting, development, HR, etc.) and precisely control who has access to what. A freelancer who leaves the team doesn’t take anything with them.
Secret Automation: For tech teams, 1Password allows you to store secrets (tokens, API keys) directly within CI/CD pipelines, without exposing them in configuration files.
Travel Mode: a unique feature that allows you to hide certain vaults while traveling, to prevent them from being accessed if a device is inspected at a border.
Security Report: An overview of weak, reused, or potentially compromised passwords within your organization.
1Password is primarily designed for teams of three or more people who manage shared access to SaaS tools, servers, or APIs. It’s also an excellent choice for tech freelancers who work with multiple clients and need to keep their access separate. Startup founders looking to build a solid foundation from the start will also find it to be a mature and scalable solution.
Keeper is often seen as 1Password’s direct competitor in the enterprise market, and the comparison is valid. Both tools share a similar philosophy, but Keeper stands out for its focus on compliance and enterprise security, with certifications that are particularly relevant for organizations subject to regulatory requirements (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, etc.).
Its architecture is based on a zero-knowledge model: not even Keeper can access your encrypted data. All encryption is performed on the client side using AES-256. Even if Keeper’s servers are compromised, your data remains unreadable.
KeeperChat: an integrated encrypted messaging service, ideal for teams that share sensitive information and want to avoid relying on third-party tools.
BreachWatch: 1Password’s equivalent of Watchtower, but with real-time monitoring of the dark web to detect whether your login credentials are being traded on forums for stolen data.
Compliance Report: Keeper generates detailed audit reports on login activity, vault access, and credential changes. This is a significant advantage for companies that need to demonstrate GDPR or SOC 2 compliance.
Device management: You can see in real time which devices your employees are using to access the vaults, and revoke access remotely if a device is lost or stolen.
Keeper Secrets Manager: Similar to 1Password’s feature, it allows you to inject secrets into development environments without exposing them in plain text.
Keeper is particularly well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) subject to regulatory requirements (healthcare, finance, legal) that need audit trails. It is also of interest to DevSecOps teams and IT managers who oversee a user base of several dozen people and want centralized visibility into access. Its slightly lower price compared to 1Password also makes it a strong option for organizations on a tight budget.
NordVPN is probably the best-known VPN among the general public, but it’s worth serious consideration for professional use—especially for freelancers on the go, distributed teams, and any organization whose employees connect from unsecured networks (cafés, hotels, coworking spaces).
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. In practical terms, this means that your connection is unreadable to anyone who might intercept it on the local network (a so-called "man-in-the-middle" attack), and that your real IP address is hidden. For an SME, the benefits are twofold: protection of data in transit and the ability to bypass geographic restrictions that may hinder certain activities (such as accessing tools or services unavailable in certain countries).
NordVPN now offers NordLayer, a solution specifically designed for professional teams, featuring centralized access management, dedicated IP addresses, and SSO integration. However, NordVPN’s “consumer” service remains well-suited for individual professional use or small teams.
Double VPN: Your data passes through two consecutive VPN servers, significantly enhancing privacy for sensitive activities.
Threat Protection: a module that blocks ads, trackers, and known malicious domains, operating independently of the VPN. It provides an extra layer of protection against phishing and malware distributed through web browsing.
Meshnet: a unique feature that lets you create a private network between your team's devices, making it easy to access internal resources remotely without a traditional corporate VPN.
Kill switch: If the VPN connection is lost, your internet traffic is automatically blocked to prevent any IP or data leaks.
Obfuscated servers: for situations where VPN use might be detected or blocked.
NordVPN is an excellent choice for freelancers and remote consultants who work from various locations. It’s also ideal for small distributed teams looking for a network security solution without having to deploy a complex VPN infrastructure. Non-technical users appreciate it for its ease of use.
Proton is a Swiss company founded by scientists from CERN, initially known for Proton Mail, its end-to-end encrypted email service. Proton VPN is the during this ecosystem: a VPN whose source code is fully open source and regularly audited by entrepreneurs third entrepreneurs.
What fundamentally sets Proton VPN apart from most consumer-grade VPNs is its radical transparency. You don’t have to take their word for it: the code is open-source, audits are published, and Swiss jurisdiction provides a protective legal framework. This is a compelling argument for professionals who handle sensitive client data or are subject to confidentiality obligations.
Proton VPN fits seamlessly into the Proton ecosystem, which also includes Proton Drive (encrypted cloud storage), Proton Pass (password manager), and Proton Calendar. A cohesive suite for those who want to minimize their exposure to major U.S. platforms.
Secure Core Servers: Traffic first passes through servers located in countries with strong privacy protections (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before exiting to the internet. This architecture is designed to withstand attacks on the exit servers.
NetShield: a built-in ad and malware blocker that filters out malicious domains at the DNS level.
Stealth VPN: a protocol that makes VPN traffic indistinguishable from standard HTTPS traffic, useful in highly restrictive environments.
Verified no-logs policy: independently audited and backed up by real-world examples where Proton was unable to provide user data to authorities (because the data simply did not exist).
Split tunneling: You choose which apps go through the VPN and which ones maintain a direct connection. This is useful for preventing slowdowns in apps that don't need to be secured.
Proton VPN is primarily aimed at users who prioritize privacy: lawyers, doctors, journalists, and consultants who handle confidential client data. It is also suitable for entrepreneurs who want to break free from the Google/Microsoft ecosystem without compromising on quality. The free version makes it an accessible starting point for freelancers who are just beginning to upgrade their security.
Astra Pentest stands out from the rest in this selection. While other tools protect your day-to-day operations, Astra tackles a different problem: identifying vulnerabilities in your web applications, APIs, and cloud infrastructure before anyone else does.
Penetration testing (or "pentests") was historically reserved for large companies, as their cost and complexity made them inaccessible to most small and medium-sized businesses. Astra has changed the game by automating much of the process, while still allowing for the involvement of human experts during critical analysis phases.
Whether you're a startup launching an app, an agency delivering web projects to clients, or an SME using third-party APIs, Astra provides a concrete answer to the question: "Is our app truly secure?"
Automated vulnerability scanner: Astra performs over 9,000 tests on your web application or API, covering vulnerabilities listed in the OWASP Top 10 (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, authentication misconfigurations, etc.).
Managed penetration testing with human experts: Going beyond automated scanning, Astra provides access to a team of certified penetration testers who supplement automated analysis with manual investigation. This combination is particularly effective at detecting logical vulnerabilities that scanners miss.
Compliance Report: Astra generates formatted reports for compliance audits (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR). This saves a significant amount of time if you are preparing for certification.
CI/CD Integration: Scans can be integrated directly into your development pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins) to detect security regressions with every deployment.
Centralized dashboard: All identified vulnerabilities are ranked by severity, with remediation recommendations and tracking of resolution status.
Astra also offers Astra API Security and Astra DAST Scanner as add-ons designed to address more specific needs.
Astra is designed for development teams that want to integrate security into their development cycle without hiring a full-time security expert. It is particularly relevant for SaaS startups preparing for a funding round (security is increasingly scrutinized by investors and acquirers), web agencies that want to deliver secure projects to their clients, and SMEs that store sensitive data (healthcare, finance, HR) and need to demonstrate their security standards to partners or regulators.
Here is a quick overview to help you figure out what applies to your situation. The prices listed are approximate and for reference only; we recommend that you check the current pricing terms directly with each publisher.
| Tool | Category | Ideal team size | Typical profile | Estimated price (entry-level) | Freelance Stack Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | Password management | 1 to 50+ | Tech teams, startups, entrepreneurs | ~$20/month (team) | Voir le deal |
| Keeper Password | Password management | 5 to 200+ | SMEs subject to regulatory constraints | ~$5 per user per month | Voir le deal |
| NordVPN | VPN | 1 to 20 | Remote freelancers, distributed teams | ~€6/month | Voir le deal |
| Proton VPN | VPN | 1 to 10 | Profiles with privacy settings | Free / ~€10/month | Voir le deal |
| Astra Pentest | Safety tests | 3 to 50 | Developers, SaaS startups, web agencies | ~$99/month | Voir le deal |
Here are some answers to the questions we’re asked most often about cybersecurity in the SME context.
Yes, and this trend is actually growing. Large companies are investing heavily in security, which is driving attackers to turn to more accessible targets. Small and medium-sized businesses often have obvious vulnerabilities (weak passwords, no VPN, unpatched applications) that make them easy prey for automated attacks or ransomware.
The top priority is password management. It is the most common attack vector and also the easiest to address. A tool like 1Password or Keeper, which can be deployed in a matter of hours, eliminates a significant portion of the risk right from the start. Next comes securing network connections (VPN) for employees on the go, followed by a vulnerability assessment if you manage a web application.
No, a VPN does only one thing: it encrypts and anonymizes your network connection. It does not protect against malware, phishing, or weak passwords. It is one tool among many—necessary but not sufficient. Cybersecurity works in layers.
Both are excellent professional password managers. 1Password is generally preferred for its user interface and developer-friendly features. Keeper is often chosen by organizations with specific compliance requirements (SOC 2, ISO 27001) due to its more detailed audit reports and certifications. For a small team without any specific regulatory constraints, both work very well.
A penetration test involves simulating an attack on your application or infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities before a real attacker does. For an SME developing a web application or handling sensitive data, this is extremely useful. With tools like Astra Pentest, the cost has dropped significantly, and the process is accessible even without in-house expertise.
Not necessarily "better," but different. Proton VPN stands out for its open-source code, published audits, and Swiss jurisdiction. It’s the choice for those for whom transparency and absolute privacy are non-negotiable. NordVPN generally offers better performance, a larger server network, and a more user-friendly interface. The choice depends on your priorities.
Partially. The GDPR requires companies that process personal data to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it. In the event of a data breach, the lack of basic security measures can result in significant penalties (up to 4% of global revenue). Certain sectors (healthcare, finance) have even stricter requirements.
Yes. A password manager for a small team costs a few dozen euros a month. Proton VPN offers a free version. And the benefits of good security practices far outweigh the costs. The key is to start somewhere rather than doing nothing while waiting for the perfect budget.
